Heroica RPG- Quest #68: A Night at the Theatre

[Zepher]

Four heroes, each having received Z-Mail with instructions, make their way down to the stables near the north of Eubric. They are...

Althior Emorith

(And Finnegan)

Level 30.5 Necromancer *Earns triple XP*

Power: 38 (43 for spells)

Power Bonus: +5 Spells

Health: 40/40

Ether: 41/41

Gold: 390

Equipment: Dragoro (WP:8), Spellbound Gloves (+5 power when casting Spells, doubled if target is weak to Element), Pointy Hat (+2 maximum ether), Medal of Glory (Wearer earns triple experience)

Inventory: Twin Sai Blades (WP:10, Dual Strike), Skeleton Decoy, Potion x6, Tonic x9, Grand Potion x4, Grand Tonic, Ether Core x4, Venom x4, Shovel, Bedroll, Remedy x7, Mead, Smelling Salts, Amulet of Elven Horse Rider (Accessory), Diamond (Light), Robe of the Elven Necromancer (SP 4), Topaz (Lightning), Amethyst (Darkness), Ruby (Fire), Sapphire (Wind), Garnet (Earth), Opal (Ice), Aquamarine (Water), Emerald (Wood), Skull Shield (SP: 6, immune to darkness elemental damage), Fire Bomb, Water Bomb x5, Lightning Bomb x3, Bone x3, Smoke Bomb, Elixirs x3, Phoenix Essence x2, Phoenix Incense x2, Dragon Scales x2

Tesni Hightribe

Level 29 2/3 Beserker *Natural Respite* *Immune to Afraid*

Power: 56

Defense: 14

Health: 48/48

Gold: 1090

Equipped: Fàelàn (Fiery Sawblade (Fire)(WP:20, 8x damage to enemies weak to fire, longsword)), Sir Roderick’s Shield (SP:8, Immunity to afraid), Bone Claws (WP:3, SP:2; handwear), Dragon Bone Armor (SP:4, Max. Health +2; bodywear)

Inventory: Cysgodion (WP:11, darkness-elemental; greatsword), Dryw ar Zoot (WP:14, light-elemental; longsword), Mellt (WP:10, ice- and lightning-elemental; hammer), Cryfder (WP:6), Party Maracas (WP:4, user is hastened, instrument), Shackles of War (prevents all fleeing, accessory), Magic Mirror (The user reflects all ether-based attacks back to the caster without getting damaged by them; accessory), Ruby (Fire), Scroll of Sleep, Remedy, Neutralizer, Phoenix Essence, 5 Venoms, Deadly Venom, 2 Meads, 2 Smelling Salts, Nostrum, Soma, 2x Grating Stone, Bright Polish, Red Dragon Plume (artifact, accessory, immunity to Weakened and Fire, suitable to Barbarians, Knights, Skirmishers, Winged Warriors), Magic Mirror (user reflects all ether-based attacks to the caster without getting damaged, accessory), Gaia Bomb (100 Earth-elemental damage to all enemies), Samurai Helmet (WP:4, suitable to knights, dragoons, regulators, winged warriors), Cannon Parts, Barbarian's Boots (Changes “Natural Respite” job trait into “Restoration”, restoring full health after every battle)

Atramor Gibbin

(CallMePie)

Level 26.66 Witch *Counterstriking* *Immune to Water, Lightning, and Wood* *Negative Effects Last One Round* *Aura*

Power: 46

Defense: 4

Health: 92/92

Ether: 24/24

Gold: 252

Equipment: Pheles Rod (WP: 20, user generates an Aura, doubling the user's maximum health but drawing all attacks to them, staff), Amulet of the Court (Suitable for anyone, negative effects last only one round on the wearer, immune to water, lightning, and wood, accessory), Counterstrike Gloves (When hit by a Free Hit, immediately deals damage equal to level, handwear), Rat's Hide (Suitable for anyone, SP: 4, backwear)

Inventory: Conspirator (WP: 15, deals the Blinded effect, darkness elemental, longsword), Heavy Flail (WP: 5, deals the Fragile effect, mace), Ratsbane (WP: 10, absorbs 2 health on successful strike, fire, ice, earth, wind elemental, dagger), , Shovel, Pickaxe, Amethyst, Diamond, Bomb XX (Deals 30 damage to all enemies and 10 damage to all heroes, all damage ignoring SP/row), Elixir, Ether Core, 2 Grand Potions, 2 Grand Tonics, 4 Health Cores, Phoenix Essence, 3 Smelling Salts

Ellaria Arbour

Level 21 1/3 Druid *Immune to Sealing*

Power: 34

Power Bonus: +3

Health: 36/36

Ether: 28/28

Gold: 5

Equipment: Ignis Fatuus (WP:10, fire-elemental staff), Mage's Muffler (protects from sealing) Black Bandana (Power +3, pirate lingo), Spirit Robe (Renders wearer invisible to the enemy for the first three rounds of battle so they do not take free hits. Backwear)

Inventory: Sylvania's Crossbow (WP:6, wood-elemental crossbow), Tricorne (SP: 3, headwear), Sterile Gloves (immunity to poisoned and badly poisoned, handwear), Topaz (Lightning), Scroll of Inspiration (Inspired for rest of battle, 10 ether, 50/50 chance), Potion, 2 Grand Potions, 4 Health Cores, 6 Grand Tonics, 2 Ether Cores, 2 Elixirs, Remedy, Neutralizer, Phoenix Essence, Nostrum, Soma, Deadly Venom, 2 Smoke Bombs, Flash Bomb, 3 Fire Bombs, 2 Ice Bombs, 2 Lightning Bombs, 2 Water Bombs, 2 Holy Bombs, Bedroll, Pickaxe, Telescope, Magic Compass, Bone, Magnifying Glass, Bone

OoC: For story purposes, Party Leader will be assigned later! Also, Peppy, do those bone gloves give +3 WP, or +3 power

The heroes arrive at the stables and are greeted by... four animals. Atramor glances down at his Z-Mail. Lord Chauncey, their employer and the sender of the letters, had said that transportation and a guide would be provided. Only three of the animals look like they can be ridden... and there is no guide in sight.

The crab holds up a rag, but eyes Ellaria encouragingly.

OoC: Check stats, check inventory, etc. I'll wait for everyone to confirm, and then we're off!

Edited May 15, 2013 by Zepher

[Sandy]

QM Note: Tesni's Bear Gloves give extra WP - its the only artifact known to do so. Good luck trying to remember to take that into account every time she rolls Extra Critical Damage.

Ellaria greets her companions merrily. She feels relieved that she knowns all of them well - her last quest with Guts Holla had been more than a bit intimidating.

"Tesni, how are you dear? Your arsenal seems to have grown since I last saw you... And Althior, what a dark demeanor! You seem to have switched trades, then? Atters, it's a pleasure to quest with you so soon after our last stint."

She then notices the crab at their feet. She switches to animal talk.

"Oh! [How are you doing, little fellow? What's that you're holding there? Can I see it?]"

[Peppermint_M]

Tesni smiled, "Ellaria, you've certainly grown in confidence. The path of Druid seems to suit you." Noticing the horses Tesni grins goofily. "Ponies!" and moves to pet one.

[Sandy]

Tesni smiled, "Ellaria, you've certainly grown in confidence. The path of Druid seems to suit you."

Ellaria can't help but to blush. And thinking about just how ridiculous it is in this situation makes her blush even more.

"Thank you, Tesni. I.. try. After losing Elpis, I've had to find strength within me if I ever hope to find out what happened to her. It's hard, without a single clue to go on by... I can just pray that Sylvania would send me another sign."

[K-Nut]

Althior walks up to the group, examining each and every one of them. The group makes for an overall menacing party. The Beserker would suit their needs well, the druid was a good healer, much better than Althior, and (though he was pained to even think it) Gibbin could actually have use in his life. He realizes Ellaria is speaking to him and turns.

"And Althior, what a dark demeanor! You seem to have switched trades, then?"

"Hmm? Oh, yes! I hope the path of Necromancy will suit me well. I know it will work better than that showy Sage demeanor I'd been hiding behind for so long." He changes the subject, "Anyways, have you had any luck in finding your child? I hope her absence will not continue much longer."

[Sandy]

"Anyways, have you had any luck in finding your child? I hope her absence will not continue much longer."

Ellaria shakes her head.

"Sadly, I've had no such luck... It's been nine months since she disappeared. The same time that I carried her inside me. By Sylvania, if she lives, she's probably learning to walk by now... "

Ellaria feels her eyes swelling up once more, but she fights against the tears. "Oh, I'm sorry, Althior. I just miss her so... Please, let us talk of other things."

[K-Nut]

Yes, the woman had lost her child and that was an extremely tragic case, but Althior face did not move at all. His emotions did not change. He simply watched Ellaria break down before he spoke. "A night at the theater will have much good for you. You should be distracted from all this." Now he spoke the truth, for Althior had escaped his terrible years after his families death by frequenting any theater he could. He felt like he was in a different world, one where he was the one who knew everyone's outcome, not the one who was second guessing themselves.

[CMP]

Atramor was quick to catch up with the trio. Way too much time haggling with the decrepit old bastard back in the Hall.

"Sorry mates. Here now. What's with the crab?"

He glanced at each member in turn. Ellaria looked close to tears for some reason, the berserker was petting one of the horses, and Althior's expression...or, lack of it...was pretty damn unusual. The witch raised his eyebrows, then just shook his head, turning to the barbarian.

"You must be Tesni? Good to meet ya'. Atramor Gibbin."

Atramor extended on hand, the other clutching the Pheles Rod tightly."

I just sold my Heavy Flail for 100 coins.

[Peppermint_M]

"Ah, hello. We have yet to cross paths, though the staff there is familiar." Tesni took the proffered hand in her usual iron grip. "You must know some I have quested with at least. You must be quite magic user to weild the Pheles Rod."

[CMP]

"Only kind of magic I use is for healin' and hexin'. Most of the reason I got this is it's s'post to make it easier to take hits or somethin'....that, and givin' enemies a good swing to the side of the head with it will be satisfyin'," Atramor chuckled. "Aye, I think Tarn's mentioned you before."

[Peppermint_M]

"I'm sure he would," Tesni chuckled again. "Where have you fellows quested of late? It is a long time since we cleared that cave of the undead and I have only just met Atramor, we have to wait for Hybros so chatting might pass the time well."

[CMP]

"I don't think Hybros is on this Quest at all, mate."

[Zepher]

Still very in and out of the house, but will update those stats tonight Atters.

The crab seems happy to have met someone with the ability to naturally talk to him.

"Howdy there, lady! My name is Russel the Crab. I'm a sellsword as well, truth be told. Pleasure to talk to someone who can actually speak my language and doesn't need this damn cloth. This is a Sylvania's Cowl, allows folks to talk to animals, but seems you've already got that down pat, so you can pass it along to someone else if they want it."

"I've got a friend in the show tonight, a Pig named Pigley! So when Chauncey said he was looking for a guide, I happily volunteered... for a meager sum, of course. I'm a fan of theatre, myself, and can't wait to see this master piece of Stirlance's performed."

Russel glances at the horses. "Trouble is, Chauncey told me there'd only be three heroes a-comin'... so I don't have enough horses for y'all. One of you will have to walk."

Which hero will walk?

[CMP]

Atramor only stared as the crab began waving its claws and chattering at Ellaria.

[K-Nut]

Althior looks at the horses, realizing there are only three, and there are four heroes. "One of us will have to walk, there aren't enough horses" Althior reaches into his pocket and pulls out his Amulet of the Elven Horse Rider. "I can walk, you three take the horses."

[Sandy]

"Howdy there, lady! My name is Russel the Crab. I'm a sellsword as well, truth be told. Pleasure to talk to someone who can actually speak my language and doesn't need this damn cloth. This is a Sylvania's Cowl, allows folks to talk to animals, but seems you've already got that down pat, so you can pass it along to someone else if they want it."

"I've got a friend in the show tonight, a Pig named Pigley! So when Chauncey said he was looking for a guide, I happily volunteered... for a meager sum, of course. I'm a fan of theatre, myself, and can't wait to see this master piece of Stirlance's performed."

Russel glances at the horses. "Trouble is, Chauncey told me there'd only be three heroes a-comin'... so I don't have enough horses for y'all. One of you will have to walk."

Which hero will walk?

Ellaria nods at the crab, eager to put her mind on the task at hand.

"[Ah, I see! Thank you, my little friend.]"

Ellaria translates the crabs words to her comrades. "So, which one of you would like to have this cowl? It will allow you to speak to Mr. Russel here as well as other animals directly.", she asks diplomatically.

"It seems Althior here is prepared to walk", she says to Russel. "Although I could have ridden behind someone, being lithe and lean that I am..."

[CMP]

Atramor grumbled at the news they'd be riding horses all the way to Bric'lin. They invented boats for a reason.

"I don't need the cowl...but can ya' ask him what he knows about this Chauncey guy?" he added, looking down at the curious crustacean.

[Peppermint_M]

"Yay pony trekking!" Tesni grinned. She had no skill communicating with animals so it was pointless to try.

[Zepher]

Having figured out the horse situation, and seeing that no one wants the cowl, Russel stows it and climbs onto the back of Ellaria's horse. Althior summons an etherial looking steed that whinnies weakly as he climbs aboard. The heroes set out.

As the heroes trot along, the sun begins to set. If the heroes are going to make it to Bric'lin by the morning in order to see the full final dress rehearsal, they will need to ride through the night. Even on horseback, Bric'lin is about a half a day's ride.

[Well there missy, since we've got time to kill, perhaps you'd like to hear a bit of a summery of the play we'll be seeing, and translate it to your friends and all?]

OoC: I'll respond to CMP's question as soon as Ellaria translates it.

[Sandy]

Ellaria looks at the others. "Are you sure none of you want the ability to talk to animals? It's pretty awesome..."

Shrugging her shoulders, Ellaria asks Russel what he knows about the fellow called Chauncey. "A summary of the play would be nice, as well."

OoC: Please, can we pretend that Ellaria automatically translates her conversations with Russel to the others, so I don't have to write them out everytime?

[Zepher]

OoC: And rob you of your job trait!?

[i don't know all that much about Lord Chauncey, truth be told. He's some big rich guy in Bric'Lin, owns the Theatre, got a few stalls in the market, think the Apothecary is under his name as well. Some say he's a scholar, some say a trader, some say a dark wizard. I don't think he's in town right now, actually, but rather sailing down to Gull before stopping in at Eubric.]

[The play is, in my humble opinion, one of Stirlance's very best tragedies. Told in five acts, like all of his plays,the play focuses on betrayal, poison, and death. The play begins in Act I, where we learn that there is a rebel force marching on the kingdom. A Duke and a General who are good friends meet Three Witches on their way to combat, and the witches predict that BOTH of them will be king some day.]

[Act II begins with a battle. General and Duke lead a decisive victory against the Rebel Prince, though it is their King who gets the final blow against the Prince himself. We also learn that the King has no heir. Deciding he must pick one, he calls on the General. The General, however, graciously declines and says that the Duke has more right and more political experience. So the Duke becomes the General's heir.]

[in Act III the Duke's Wife tells him that he should kill the King who is staying with them, and take the throne for himself. The Duke, after some convincing, does so, and is crowned King. The General, however, tells the entire land of the Duke's treachery, saying that Witches told him he'd be King if he killed the current King.]

[in Act IV, the General begins a siege of the Duke's castle. Fearing for his life, the Duke barricades himself in his room, building walls over the windows and doors and leaving only a small passage way, large enough for a rat, so that his wife may pass him food, and he may pass his general's notes, all tied to the back of rats, which is a little gross if you ask me... but anyway, the General leads a charge against the castle and eventually makes it to the boarded up room only to be told that the Duke is already dead - poisoned by his own wife, who has always loved the General, and hoped for him to be King eventually.]

[in Act V, the General casts the Duke's Wife out, disgusted by her betrayal of her husband. He then, in the final monologue of the play, explains that he always intended to be King, and knew that in order for him to be King the Duke must be King first, in accordance with the witches prophecy. It's a very dark play. I'm really a fan.]

Ellaria translates it to all of her party members. The sun has begun to set.

[CMP]

"Good thing Thothwick's not around to hear that. Nothin' worse than witches brewin' up trouble in that ape's mind," chuckled Atramor to himself. "I'll take the cowl, if nobody else really wants it. Sounds an interestin' enough story to me. So what's the bit about it bein' a forbidden play?"

[Zepher]

Even as Atramor accepts the Cowl from Russel, the crab seems to nod in understanding at his question.

[Aye, yes, the curse part. That's what makes the play so exciting, and so rarely performed! Whenever the play is put on, the Theatre is always overrun by rats. I myself would be happy to lend my sword to dealing with the little vermin, should the situation appear. Nothing my sword and I can't handle.]

The heroes notice that Russel is notably without a sword for the time being.

[CMP]

Atramor pulls on the hood curiously, removing his Counterstrike Gloves, at least for the moment. He grew interested as the crab's ceaseless chittering turning into words. He vaguely wondered what the other various sea creatures he'd seen throughout his life has been saying.

"Huh. Well, I don't doubt your fightin' abilities, I know a frog who could slay more than his fair share of enemies, but ya' don't seem to be armed at the moment..."

Edited May 16, 2013 by CallMePie

[Zepher]

[A Frog Paladin, no doubt. Before my trip to Eubric I was in their Order's Hall collecting an award. Have you ever met High Priest Pylon? A stand up Frog if I've ever met one, and I have met quite a few frogs in my day, believe you me!]

When asked about his sword, Russel looks awkwardly at the ground.

[While Pigley and I were bringing Lord Barkington back to Pylon for reform, I may have accidentally broken my sword in the night. I thought I saw something that looked an awful lot like a Blue Assassin, but after some combat, it turned out to be only a rock covered in strange moss. My sword was badly damaged. It is with the Frog Paladins now, who have promised they will fix it in due time.]